tetanus

/ˈtɛtnɪs/

/ˈtɛtnəs/

Tetanus is a disease of the nervous system spread by bacteria. It's very serious and is usually contracted through an open wound.

You've probably had a tetanus shot at some point, and that's a good thing: tetanus is a serious infection that results in spasms and seizing up of parts of your body. Muscles you normally control become uncontrollable and rigid. That's why tetanus is also called lockjaw. People have the greatest chance of getting tetanus if they have an open wound. If you stepped on a nail, you'd better check with your doctor and make sure you've had a tetanus shot.

Definitions of tetanus

1. noun

   an acute and serious infection of the central nervous system caused by bacterial infection of open wounds; spasms of the jaw and laryngeal muscles may occur during the late stages
   synonyms: lockjaw

   type of:

   infection

   the pathological state resulting from the invasion of the body by pathogenic microorganisms
2. noun

   a sustained muscular contraction resulting from a rapid series of nerve impulses
   type of:

   contraction, muscle contraction, muscular contraction

   (physiology) a shortening or tensing of a part or organ (especially of a muscle or muscle fiber)